DC Assault Summer Classic All Stars

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The 17u division presented many talented players.

August 4, 2010 – Last weekend Springfield, VA’s Lee High School was the DC Assault Summer Classic’s epicenter, the focal point for that NCAA certified tournament’s action. Given its designation as a tournament Division I coaches could attend during the end of this year’s open period, many were in attendance.

The tournament was chock full of talented players. Below are 17 and under all star teams, as designated by i95Ballerz.com. The 16-under and 15-under groupings representing selected, championship round players, will be published soon.

All hail the champs - VA Assault.

Hats off to VA Assault for capturing the 17u title, their third crown of the grassroots season. According to Jarvis Threatt, a guard on that squad, “We really wanted to win this one; we had to leave the one before (July’s Super Elite Showcase). The team, coached by Jerry McFarland, had previously bested all comers in a tourney in Indiana and the Coaches Versus Cancer event

17u First Team

MVP – Quinn Cook, senior point guard, DC Assault, 6’0”, 170 lbs – Playing in his last grassroots event, Cook displayed what makes him one of the more hotly recruited players in America, as he shot, drove and dished at will. Not known for his defense, Quinn even made an attempt at that end of the floor – he understands strapping up will be necessary in college.

Quinn Cook raises for a jumper.

Traeveon Graham, senior swingman, Triple Threat, 6’4”, 200 lbs – Graham is emerging as the DMV’s (District-Maryland-Virginia) most capable Class of 2011 scorer, since he’s able to attack the rim from 19 feet, pull up for jumpers, and finish. Needs to work on his left hand dribbling.

Anthony Estes, junior forward, Kid’s First Basketball, 6’7”, 210 lbs – A strong, aggressive player that competes hard, Estes is rounding into form after recovering from a leg injury last year. Can finish and round. Should extend his shooting out to 17 feet.

Jarvis Threatt, senior guard, VA Assault, 6’3”, 170 lbs – Crafty and skilled, Threatt is also athletic, producing a package that can shoot, drive and dunk on your head. Has to become stronger and add a bit more point guard focus to his attack.

Devin Miller shoots while Larry Savage closes.

Devin Miller, post grad forward, Dynamic Disciples, 6’6”, 200 lbs – A natural catch and shoot performer (out past three point land) that also boasts tremendous athletic ability, Miller, who is destined for junior college is a high level Division I performer waiting to happen. He must work on conditioning, ball patting and overall focus, to maximize his ability.

17u Second Team

Antonio Jenifer, post grad forward, Dynamic Disciples, 6’7”, 185 lbs – Jenifer can step out and hit three balls, rebound successfully using athletic ability and run the floor. Getting stronger and working on both conditioning and ball handling are a must next year in junior college.

Kareem Story, senior point guard, Triple Threat, 5’10”, 180 lbs – A true set up point guard, Story likes to push the temp and is also a very good defender. Solidifying his jumper (including getting more lift) out to three ball land should be next on his development list.

Karem Story takes it around his back.

Marvin King-Davis, senior forward, VA Assault, 6’6”, 200 lbs – As an undersized post player, King-Davis uses his length, athletic ability and periodic aggressiveness to battle larger players. Has to play hard consistently and strengthen his shooting touch.

Larry Savage, senior forward, VA Assault, 6’4”, 200 lbs – A tremendous finisher, Savage is active and aggressive – he likes to mix it up and is not beyond intimidating or getting under the skin of opponents. His outside skills must be improved, including shooting range and handle.

Kevin Smith, senior guard, Baltimore Assault, 5’10”, 185 lbs – This athletic, offensively attacking guard is becoming the point guard he must be in high major ball. Kevin should mix a healthy dose of outside shooting to his rim-attacking specialty.

A Quintet of Sleepers

Damion Lee, post grad swingman, DC Assault, 6’6”, 180 lbs – Athletic and smart, Lee must get stronger. De-committed from Towson and is headed to a New England prep school.

Dominique ‘Domo’ Robinson, senior swingman, Triple Threat, 6’4”, 200 lbs – Robinson loves the deep corner jumper, and sinks them regularly. Should work on his ball handling, thereby creating on-court options for himself.

Prince Okoroh, senior swingman, DC Assault, 6'4", 190 lbs - An upper level athlete that defends, rebounds and is very intelligent, Prince has worked hard on his jumper, making it solid out to 17 feet now. Has to continue that development and improve his handle.

Rick Michaels, senior forward, Titans (TC Williams), 6’4”, 180 lbs – Hyper athletic, Michaels does major work around the tin. Can pass also. Needs to focus on ball handling and shooting.

John Savoy, junior forward, Triple Threat, 6’7”, 190 lbs – Savoy is long and active. Must work on strength and footwork. Played both 17u and 16u.